You did it. You hopped on Bumble, or Hinge, or Tinder, or another dating app and started swiping away. You matched and had some great banter, but now you have to actually meet in person. The horror! Just kidding, it will all be fine.
Next step: pick a location. Here are some of our favorite local ideas for a first date that will hopefully leave you wanting a second.
Sur La Table
Cooking together is a sure fire way to test out the chemistry. Head to Sur La Table in Clay Terrace to prepare a delicious recipe with your date. Explore your skill sets together—the classes are chef-led and you get to taste the dishes along the way.
14400 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel, (317) 575-0973, www.surlatable.com/store-details?StoreID=48.
Topgolf
Prefer a sportier date? Head to Top Golf in Fishers to show off your competitive skills. With a full bar and menu, you’ve got everything you need for a fun night all under one roof.
9200 E. 116th St., Fishers, (765) 212-3488, topgolf.com/us/fishers.
Mimosa and a Masterpiece
A local female-owned, upscale paint and sip art studio in the heart of Indianapolis’ Arts District on Mass Ave is theperfect place to head for a first date. Walk in and choose what you’d like to sip while you learn to paint together. It’s a perfect way to bond with and get to know each other that isn’t grabbing a drink at a bar (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). Plus if it goes well, you can always head out for more drinks or dinner afterward on the bustling avenue.
614 Massachusetts Ave., Suite B, (317) 413-8490, mimosa-masterpiece.com.
Newfields
Head over to Newfields to walk the campus and take in the various art and special exhibits. The warmer months offer an even more expansive list of things to do, including a beer garden. An art museum is as classic of a date as any, so why not start making memories in front of a Robert Indiana’s Love?
4000 N. Michigan Road, (317) 923-1331, www.discovernewfields.org.
Napolese
The 49th and Penn location of Martha Hoover’s Italian hotspot has a touch of a romantic and intimate vibe without going too far for a first date. The bar room is the perfect setting to get to know each other over baked goat cheese and a full-bodied Cab.
114 E. 49th St., (317) 925-0765, napolesepizzeria.com.
Provider
The perfect play-it-safe first date spot is Indy’s Provider Coffee and Bar. With light bites and coffee, matcha and cocktails there’s surely something for each of you to delight in while you enjoy each other’s company.
1101 E. 16th St., (317) 550-5685, www.instagram.com/providerindy.
Lenie Tsakonas is a regular Indy Maven contributor.
